Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 86:
A good quality Indian tulwar of classic hilt form associated with Sikh manufacturein Lahore, with a finely patterned mechanical steel blade, and a scabbard mounted with silverfittings. The hilts of this sword takes the form of the classic Indian tulwar, with a discoidpommel of thick proportions, swollen grip, double quillons, and d-guard that flows into thepommel and terminates in a stylized lotus bud head. The tulwar is the traditional swordthroughout India and in the form seen in the Schmiedt Collection dates to the late 16th to early17th century and continues to be produced today, primarily for use at Sikh weddings and otherreligious events. The tulwar as a form is classically Indian and has elements of design fromIslamic swords introduced by the Timurid Mughals in the 15th century but in the discoidpommels and swollen grips has elements of classical Indian workmanship. As a true syncreticobject, the tulwar therefore is representative of the intermingling of Hindu and Islamic Mugalcultures in India after the 16th century.This example in the Schmiedt Collection of relatively good quality workmanship. The hilt is aclassic regional tulwar style most associated with Lahore and North-west India, and decoratedwith silver koftgari, a technique which overlays silver on metal which has been prepared withchiseled marks. The silver koftgari further embellished with floral designs which remain in finecondition. The blade of this example also in pattern welded mechanical Damascus and remainsin fine quality with no damage or serious pitting.Dating from the 18th to Early 19th century, Blade is probably earlier.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 37" Blade Length : 29 1/2" References:1. Elgood, R. (2004) Hindu Arms and Rituals.2. Elgood, R. (2018) Rajput Arms and Armor.3. Stone, G. (1934) A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration, and Use of Arms andArmor in All Countries and in All Times: Together with Some Closely Related Subjects.Portland, Maine: Southwork Press.Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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